Enzyme fuel cell wins UK award
A biological fuel cell invention using catalysts sourced from enzymes found naturally in the environment, has won three categories in the Carbon Trust Innovation Awards for researchers from Oxford University's Chemistry Department.
The enzymes used compare favourably with platinum catalysts currently used in fuel cells converting hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, the only emission produced being water.
The use of precious metals is not only expensive but unsustainable since they are a finite resource. It is envisaged that the invention will allow cheap, robust and clean energy production in medium-scale domestic energy applications.
Work is continuing within the group of researchers to improve and optimise the performance of the fuel cell catalysts.
The university's technology transfer company, Isis Innovation Ltd, has filed patents and is managing the commercial development of the invention.
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